In the shadow of 9/11, country singer Shane Owens is introducing new song “19” to country radio.

The emotional, patriotic ballad was inspired by NFL-football-player-turned-Army Ranger Pat Tillman. Tillman was moved by the terrorist attacks on 9/11 to walk away from his contract with the NFL and enlist. He was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan in 2004.

Written by Jeffrey Steele, Gary Nicholson and Tom Hambridge, “19” follows the life of a boy from high school football player to fallen soldier.

Lyrics include: “He’s somebody’s son in a hole with a gun in a foreign land, trying to hold on to his American dream.”

“It’s just one of those songs,” said Owens, whose family has a long history in the military. “I can’t tell you how many people have come up to me at shows with tears in their eyes that’s had a 19-year-old son get killed in Afghanistan. It’s just a great song, and I’m honored to be able to put it on this record.”

Owens, who puts a traditional country spin on the tear-jerker, said country radio is welcoming “19” with open arms.

“A song and an artist is like a marriage,” he said. “This is the perfect song for me to deliver. And it’s one of those songs that comes along once in a lifetime. It’s one of those songs that will take care of itself.”

“19” is available now. All proceeds from the sale of the song go to TAPS, which stands for Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. For more information visit: shaneowenscountry.com.